get_layer_list

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why get_layer_list needs a policy

This tool queries and returns existing layer information from a PCB board. It has no side effects, does not modify data, execute operations, or cause irreversible changes. It is purely a data retrieval function, fitting the Read category. Severity is low because misuse poses minimal risk—an AI agent retrieving layer lists cannot cause harm to the design or system.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_layer_list' and description 'Return the list of all layers defined in the current PCB board' indicate a query operation that retrieves data without modifying or executing anything.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access get_layer_list gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control get_layer_list

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and KiCAD-MCP-Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for get_layer_list:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "get_layer_list": {}
  }
}

get_layer_list is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register KiCAD-MCP-Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More KiCAD-MCP-Server tools

Destructive delete_component Remove a component from the PCB by its reference designator. Destructive delete_schematic_component Remove a placed symbol from a KiCAD schematic (.kicad_sch). This removes the symbol insta Destructive delete_schematic_net_label Remove a net label from the schematic. Destructive delete_schematic_wire Remove a wire from the schematic by start and end coordinates. Destructive delete_symbol Remove a symbol from a .kicad_sym library file. Destructive delete_trace Delete traces from the PCB. Can delete by UUID, position, or bulk-delete all traces on a n Destructive remove_schematic_component_property Remove a single custom property from a placed schematic symbol. Built-in fields (Referenc Execute autoroute Run Freerouting autorouter on the current PCB. Exports to Specctra DSN, runs Freerouting C

All 157 KiCAD-MCP-Server tools →

Read tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about get_layer_list

What does the get_layer_list tool do? +

Return the list of all layers defined in the current PCB board. It is categorised as a Read tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on get_layer_list? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_layer_list: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches KiCAD-MCP-Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is get_layer_list? +

get_layer_list is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit get_layer_list? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_layer_list rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block get_layer_list completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_layer_list. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides get_layer_list? +

get_layer_list is provided by the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server (mixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every KiCAD-MCP-Server tool call.

Start from KiCAD-MCP-Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →